9 replies

I have been Diabetic t2 since 1995. I was started on Glucophage/Metformin and other oral antiglycemic meds with mixed results. But perhaps I was so new at ir I really didn't know what I was doing or could eat.

By 2006 I had a kidney infection and had to go on dialysis, for what I thought was for the rest of my life. I was started on insulin in the hospital. (was it metformin which did in my kidneys? Drs didn't say.) Now I noted through reading here on DC the doses of insulin others are taking. My bride was Diabetic t2 also and she took a way bigger dose than did 1.

I am experementing with controlling my diabetes through my meal plan alone, and so far it is working. I am losing weight too (from 210-215 Dec 2010, to 174 May 2011) I am not eating as much as I used to, and eating very low carb. And my BG#s are consistently in the "normal" range, as long as I follow the eating plan.

So Dee, I have run the gamut of treatments for diabetes. I like this courrent plan the best, and intend to stay on it indefinitely. Perhaps I may eventually need to go back to the needle, but if I am disciplined enough I should be able to do this for a long time.

Every persons body is different, and what works for one, is ineffective in another. As a general rule, most folks with diabetes have other conditions as well, all of which have their own treatments and needs.There are a few lucky souls who can maintain their condition with little more than diet and exercise. There are even some who start out having to take meds, and over time, don't need them any more.And there are some folks who will never be able to stop taking meds for the rest of their lives, without risk of extreme side affects that can risk their lives.In short, it is a crap shoot. Some folks are lucky, others are not. And those dice can be re-rolled at any time and change everything.Sometimes, the best and only outcome one can strive for is to delay the onset of the more progressive conditions like losing eyesight, numbness in fingers and toes, organ shutdown, and I could go on and on.A few folks can do everything right, and STILL get worse.Luckily, with time, good medical monitoring, consistent good diet and treatment habits, and even sharing of information from others, one can live a live with the condition that is symptom free.Sorry to be vague, but it is almost impossible to answer a question like yours in specific terms when the condition itself has so many forms and variables.Still, I hope it helped you some anyways.

I am not on medications for diabetes and so far able to control my glucose with diet and exercise. I would think that your doctor would prescribe meds if they were necessary for you. I don't think age makes the difference but rather your a1c or bouts with highs and lows that determine the right treatment plan.

Do you still check your BS's?? It is possible to control diabetes that you DON'T have to have Meds.! I don't think age has anything to do with it! If your NOT checking then I would have to say that you need to check again cause diabetes doesn't just go away! Be careful I let it go for a couple of years and now it's biting me in the but!! Had to have my gall bladder out and have chronic pancreatitus and had a mild heart attack last year. So PLEASE be careful!! Ellen :)